1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1335 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | E |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
